@Xfiltrate: I'm not disagreeing with your central argument but it's impossible to measure quality of life as it depends upon the individual's opinion. If you love theatres you might choose London, if you love sun you wouldn't!
GDP-PC is only important when comparing the hours needed to work to buy something that is internationally traded such as a new Sony HD TV or a new BMW car (but you still need to take into account local issues such as personal tax rates and if your home country has high taxes on cars then it takes longer).
Spain is very low on GDP-PC but where I am, a small  (which comes with a free tapa) is €1.20, a triple shot of whisky is €1, a three course midday meal just €8, the excellent local wine is €8.25 for 5 litres (7 bottles), our water rates (with swimming pool) are €40 pa, council tax and rubbish collection €120 pa, car tax is €56 pa, 6 tonnes of wood for winter fuel is €350, and so on. So GDP-PC is only part of the measure.
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